Module 1

Foundations 

Welcome to the first step on your journey into the world of surface design! This module is expertly designed to lay the groundwork for your success, introducing you to the essentials of surface design with warmth, wisdom, and clarity. From managing expectations to mastering the tools of the trade, each lesson is a stepping stone towards realizing your creative potential.

It's a heartfelt welcome designed to inspire and connect!

Dive into the foundational concepts that will set the stage for your growth and discovery. Learn to manage your expectations and nerves, articulate the essence of surface design to others, and identify the stages of a flourishing surface designer.

Highlights of this Module:

• Start with a warm welcome and inspirational insights from Bonnie, setting a tone of encouragement and community.
• Unpack the essentials of surface design, from explaining your craft to others to embracing your unique journey with "The Stages of a Flourishing Surface Designer."
• Discover your new best friend in "The Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts," boosting your efficiency and confidence as you navigate your design software.
• Tackle time management and course pacing, ensuring you make the most of your learning experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Bonus Module: Beginner's Headstart

Designed specifically for those new to the field, this bonus module offers a gentle introduction to setting up your creative space, understanding the industry lingo, and accessing vital support and resources. With lessons built to ensure that you're equipped with the basics, this module is the perfect precursor to your surface design journey.

Highlights of the Bonus Module:

• Set up your creative workspace for success, creating an environment that inspires and supports your artistic process.
• Demystify the terminology and make sure you feel at home in the world of surface design from day one.
• Learn how to access support and resources, ensuring you have the tools and community backing to thrive.
• Master computer basics tailored for creative newbies, laying a solid technical foundation for your artistic work.
• Experience the joy of "Boosting Confidence with Small Wins," a lesson designed to celebrate your progress and build momentum.

This foundational module, paired with the bonus Beginner's Headstart, is about beginning a journey of transformation, growth, and creative fulfillment. Join us to lay the foundations of your future as a surface designer, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to turn your dreams into reality. With Module 1 and the Bonus Module, you're stepping into a world of endless creative possibilities.

”

My limiting beliefs that I carried for years about being an artist were gone within just a few weeks and I had a complete mindset change. - Lana Rowsell 

Module 2

Gathering Inspiration + Orientation Week

Dive into the heart of surface design with this comprehensive guide to fueling your journey with endless sources of inspiration. This module is meticulously designed to open your eyes to the world's beauty and teach you how to translate that beauty into your work. From the fundamentals of sourcing your own inspiration to the ethics of creating original work, each lesson is a step towards developing profound and personal work.

The Inspiration Lab is where you'll learn the art of seeing and exploring the world through research. Discover how to tell compelling stories through your designs, identify your unique Story Star, and begin sharing your work with confidence. Gain practical skills in gathering inspiration for a pattern collection, and experience the thrill of a field trip designed to awaken your senses and spark your creativity.

Highlights of this Module:

• Step into the Inspiration Lab, where the journey to uncovering your creative sources begins.
• Master the art of sourcing inspiration from the world around you, learning to see with fresh eyes and a new perspective.
• Explore the world through research, uncovering the stories and histories that will enrich your designs.
• Learn the power of storytelling in your work, finding and refining your unique narrative voice.
• Share your work with the world, starting with the supportive environment of this course, to build confidence and receive feedback.
• Dive into the practical steps of gathering inspiration for a pattern collection, learning techniques to keep your ideas fresh and organized.
• Keep your inspiration organized with effective strategies, creating inspiration boards that serve as visual springboards for your projects.
• Navigate the delicate balance of inspiration with integrity, ensuring your work respects other artists and cultures while remaining authentically yours.
• Create a mini inspiration board, applying the concepts and techniques you've learned.

This module embeds a deep sense of curiosity, respect, and originality in your creative practice. You'll learn to harness the world's endless beauty and stories, transforming them into a wellspring of ideas that fuel your unique voice.

You'll unlock the secrets of gathering inspiration, and prepare to enrich your surface design work with depth, meaning, and personal signature. With this module, you'll learn to see the world as an endless source of creative potential.

”

I didn’t expect it, but my life looks and feels completely different today than it did last year. It was a truly transforming experience. - Annabelle Henry

Module 3

Illustrator Essentials

Dive into the heart of Adobe Illustrator with a comprehensive module designed to transform beginners into proficient users and elevate experienced artists to new heights. This module is your essential toolkit, meticulously structured to enhance your skills one lesson at a time, ensuring a flourishing artist's mindset is firmly in place.

From the very basics of navigating the Illustrator interface to mastering advanced tools like the Shape Builder and Puppet Warp, each lesson is designed to help you get comfortable with Illustrator - vectors, artboards, the essential selection tools, and become adept at adding color palettes and textures to bring your designs to life!

Highlights of this Module:

• Learn Adobe Illustrator, starting from the basics to the complexities of vector creation.
• Streamline your workflow with keyboard shortcuts, saving documents efficiently, and managing your artboards like a pro.
• Master essential drawing, selection, and movement tools to create intricate designs with ease.
• Dive deep into advanced features like the Shape Builder Tool, Puppet Warp, and the myriad of effects to add sophistication to your artwork.
• Navigate the intricacies of typography in Illustrator, from curving text to text manipulation for impactful designs.
• Lay the groundwork for advanced creativity with lessons on file formats, embedding images, and leveraging Creative Cloud Libraries.

You'll learn to integrate Illustrator seamlessly into your creative process, enabling you to execute your vision with precision. Whether you're sketching out your initial ideas or applying the final touches to a complex piece, these lessons are designed to ensure you have the skills, confidence, and efficiency to bring your work to life.

”

I am a 63-year-old analog woman; Adobe Illustrator has done incredible things to reshape my brain. That would not have been possible without the incredible format of Bonnie’s course and community.

-Heather Martens Rempel

Module 4

Illustrator Advanced

This module is designed to refine your technique, deepen your understanding of color and composition, and help you discover the full potential of your work. With a focus on advanced techniques and real-world applications, each lesson is a building block towards mastery.

Dive into color theory, custom palettes, and the dynamic use of the Swatches Panel tailored for pattern design. Discover the power of the Recolor Artwork Tool, learn to work in non-destructive ways, and master the art of composition to bring your visions to vivid life.

Highlights of this Module:

• Deepen your understanding of color with comprehensive coverage on creating effective color palettes and the principles of color theory.
• Learn the secrets of Adobe Illustrator’s advanced tools, including the Recolor Artwork Tool, Image Trace, and the Brushes Panel.
• Explore different mediums and their digital counterparts, from pencil and charcoal to gouache and markers, and learn to integrate these elements into your digital designs.
• Learn best practices for transforming traditional art into high-quality digital illustrations, whether it’s from paper, photographs, or watercolors.
• Master the art of vectorizing hand lettering, illustrating from found items, and creating layered motifs from watercolor paintings.
• Navigate through the challenges of finding your unique style.
• Prepare for real-world applications with comprehensive lessons on exporting artwork, understanding file types, and managing color profiles effectively.

This module guides you through the nuanced process of integrating traditional art techniques into digital designs. Whether you're refining your style or exploring new mediums, Module 4 is designed to support your growth as an artist and designer.

Armed with advanced Illustrator techniques and the courage to explore, you're transforming the way you create, think, and express your vision. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and ultimately, transformed as you move closer to realizing your full potential as a surface designer.

”

Not only is Bonnie the best teacher I've ever experienced, but the community is also the kindest, most supportive, and most helpful I've ever had the pleasure of growing with. - Chris Vabre

Module 5

Repeating Patterns Mastery

Fine-tune your design skills and discover your unique signature style. This module will guide you through advanced techniques from initial sketch to exquisite final pattern. You'll master the intricacies of pattern design as this module offers a deep dive into the art of making patterns that captivate and inspire.

Immerse yourself in the world of repeating patterns with comprehensive lessons on different methods such as the Box First, Box Last, and the innovative Pattern Tool. Explore the creation of tiling squares, pattern design compositions, and the art of half-drop repeats. You'll learn how to scale, confidently troubleshoot patterns, and infuse your work with layered textures and striking colors.

Highlights of this Module:

• Discover your signature style and learn file management and organization techniques to streamline your workflow.
• Watch real-time demonstrations from sketch to final pattern, gaining insights into professional workflow techniques.
• Master various repeating pattern techniques, including the Box First Method, Box Last Method, and the Pattern Tool for dynamic designs.
• Dive into the creation of tiling squares, pattern design compositions, and learn how to effectively change the scale of your patterns.
• Explore the potential of layered and textured patterns.
• Apply color theory to patterns, and design eye-catching stripes, plaids, diagonal, and border patterns.

You'll learn how to create patterns that not only look beautiful but also tell a story and make every piece a testament to your unique voice. With Module 5, you'll be learning to leave a mark on the world of design. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and ultimately, to excel as you progress towards pattern mastery.

”

I have searched high and low across the globe for a comprehensive pattern design course - I couldn’t have found a more perfect teacher or program than Immersion. - Divya

Module 6

Design in Collections + Portfolio Building

Step into professional surface design with Module 6: Designing in Collections, a pivotal module that bridges your work to the design industry. This module is designed to catapult your design career forward and help you to create cohesive and marketable collections.

You'll discover the strategic importance of designing in collections and how this approach can significantly amplify your appeal to art directors, retailers, and consumers alike. Learn to navigate the latest trends, conduct effective market research, and apply these insights to create collections that resonate with your target market. Dive into the art of assembling hero, coordinate, and blender prints to craft collections that tell a compelling story.

Highlights of this Module:

• Grasp the importance of designing in collections to elevate your work from individual pieces to compelling, market-ready narratives.
• Learn how to design in both mini collections and full size collections.
• Stay ahead of the curve with lessons on trends, market research, and the art of collection design.
• Master the creation of mini collections, and learn to design hero, coordinate, and blender prints.
• Develop color palettes that captivate, including strategies for creating second colorways and integrating Pantone colors for industry standardization.
• Transform your work into a pitch-ready portfolio, both digital and hardcopy, ensuring you're prepared to submit your work to art directors and secure professional opportunities.
• Explore the practicalities of contacting art directors, pitching your work, and navigating feedback loops for continuous improvement.
• Dive into real-world applications with exercises on creating gift wrap, wallpaper, fabric, and greeting cards, complete with printing prototypes for a hands-on experience.

Prepare to succeed. Whether you're dreaming of launching your own collection or aiming to collaborate with established brands, this module offers the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make your mark in the industry. With insights on pricing, pitching, and professional development, you'll be equipped to navigate the business side of creativity, turning your passion into a profitable venture.

Module 6 is your comprehensive guide to making an impact with your art, crafting collections that not only showcase your unique style but also meet the demands of the ever-evolving market. Join us to transform your creative vision into a career that thrives on innovation, beauty, and commercial success.

”

Bonnie opened doors for me that I never knew were possible. She opened my mind to what I can achieve with my life. - Mable Tan

Module 7

Income from your Artwork

Transform your creativity into a lucrative career and navigate the business side of art. This module is your roadmap to financial success through your creativity, covering everything from choosing the right industry to securing licensing deals and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring artist unsure of where to start or a seasoned creator looking to expand your income streams, this module equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive.

Dive into the essentials of pitching your work, preparing and submitting your creations, and what to do when art directors reach out. Explore the world of art agents, understand the intricacies of contracts, and learn the anatomy of a licensing deal. With detailed lessons on negotiation, the pros and cons of exclusive versus non-exclusive licensing, and an insight into potential earnings and royalties, you'll be prepared to make informed decisions that align with your artistic and financial goals.

Highlights of this Module:

• Navigate the process of choosing an industry and researching companies to pitch your artwork effectively.
• Master the art of pitching, from preparation to submission, ensuring your work stands out to potential licensors.
• Understand the critical role of contracts, from what to look for to negotiating the terms of a licensing deal.
• Gain insights into the financial aspects of art licensing, including expected earnings, royalties, and handling rejections constructively.
• Discover strategies to get your work seen, how to promote your art, and how to copyright your work.
• Learn the basics of freelancing, pricing your work, and considerations for retail and wholesale business models.
• Explore manufacturing your own products, the benefits of collaborations, and strategies for generating passive income.
• Dive into the opportunities presented by print on demand (POD) services, art fairs, exhibitions, trade shows, and global licensing.
• Understand the significance of e-commerce for artists and the journey from file to product.

This module teaches you how to make a living from your art. It's designed to demystify the business side of the art world, providing you with actionable strategies and real-world insights to monetize your creativity effectively.

Embrace the potential to create a thriving career from your artwork and a sustainable and rewarding income from your passion. Unlock new opportunities, elevate your professional presence, and achieve financial success through your art. Join us to transform your creative dreams into your professional reality.

”

Immersion was an opportunity of a lifetime, it truly opened so many doors for growth in my art journey. - Susan Brush

Module 8

Creative Entrepreneurship 

Transform your creative passion into a thriving business. This module is a masterclass in building a business, branding and marketing your creativity into a profitable and sustainable career. From the foundational elements of branding to the nuances of financial literacy, each lesson is crafted to guide you through the entrepreneurial landscape with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

Begin with the basics of branding, learning how to craft a compelling brand package that resonates with your audience. Uncover the power of storytelling in business, and navigate the process of choosing the perfect name for your brand. Discover your ideal customer and understand the importance of your 'why' in creating heartfelt marketing that genuinely connects.

Highlights of this Module:

• Master branding basics to create a cohesive and impactful brand identity that stands out in the market.
• Leverage the power of story to build a deep connection with your audience, setting the foundation for lasting customer relationships.
• Learn effective strategies for naming your business, discovering your target audience, and articulating your core mission.
• Explore heartfelt marketing and the essential marketing tools needed to reach your audience authentically and effectively.
• Dive into the essentials of social media, email marketing, and SEO to grow your presence and engage with your community online.
• Uncover strategies for selling without limits, adding multiple revenue streams, and building a community around your art.
• Navigate the business side of creativity with lessons on business structure, productivity tools, time management, and setting work-life boundaries.
• Enhance your financial literacy with comprehensive insights into taxes, financial planning, intellectual property basics, and customer service excellence.
• Plan for success with annual planning, content calendar creation, measuring success through KPIs, and adopting good habits for a thriving business.

With a blend of practical skills, strategic insights and guidance, you'll be equipped to build a profitable business. From understanding the intricacies of copyright and taxes to mastering the art of customer service and community building, Module 8 is your comprehensive guide to thriving as a creative entrepreneur.

”

There is NO surface design class out there as comprehensive as the Immersion course! - Sarah Garcia